Your dog has just had cruciate ligament replacement surgery. This ligament is important to normal knee function. The outcome of this surgery depends on the condition of the knee prior to surgery, the surgery itself and the post operative care. Carefully following the instruction listed below will help ensure the best possible outcome.

 

DAYS 1-5

Your dog should have minimal activity other than going outside for bodily functions and fresh air. Avoid stairs if possible. Use the medications as prescribed. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG FROM LICKING THE INCISION. If you are unable to keep your dog from licking, please contact us and we can provide a cone for a small fee.

 

DAYS 5-14

At this point, your dog should be more comfortable and can have minimal exercise. Passive "range of motion" exercises are useful, particularly for patients not using their legs. Flex and extend the knee within comfort range for 20-30 repetitions several times a day. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Metacam will be helpful for the next month or so. Short walks are okay but NOT if your pet is walking on only three legs. This stresses out the good leg. Once your pet is using all 4 legs you can increase the length of daily walks which should ALWAYS BE ON A LEASH.

 

WEEKS 2-10

Your dog must still be having LEASH EXERCISE ONLY! However, you can walk up hills now. Walk at a speed that encourages your dog to put his/her foot down and bear weight on it. It is important to begin strengthening the leg. Swimming is an excellent exercise as long as there is a gradual ramp getting out to the water, like a lakeshore. For this reason, swimming pools are NOT a good idea. Avoid vigorous activity with other dogs. Chasing a ball or a stick is definitely NOT a good idea as this encourages fast starts and stops that can stress the repair.

 

WEEKS 10-52

The repair will continue to strengthen with scar tissue over this period of time. Please continue to exercise caution and good sense. Deep snow and rough play with other dogs are very risky activities for knees. 30% of dogs that tear one cruciate ligament will tear the other at a later date, so please be careful.

 

Some arthritis will develop in the knee, but prompt surgery after the initial injury and good post operative care will minimize this. Glucosamine is a nutritional supplement that helps improve joint fluid quality and supports cartilage repair. Keeping your dog on glucosamine for the rest of its life will help keep all of the joints in the body healthy.

 

As always, if there are any concerns or questions regarding your pets recovery, do not hesitate to call us!